Finally my scarf I made using the upwolfing mat is done and dried and this is the result on the left.

Just laid out this new upwolfing scarf and on going through the dryer discovered that the silk did not work this time will have to try something different next time. Have removed it. But as they say your failures are always new discoveries. Picture of final thing coming soon.

Saw this on a Australian magazine, so bought a mat and finally have tried it. Quite a lot of work trying to lay the wool, but a great look. Unfortunately it was my first and some bits had to be fixed secretly as they unraveled when I took it off the mat.

Forgot to take picture before felting, will post picture of the result as soon as I can.

The picture on the right shows the tool needed, a mat with holes, a pair of tights and a stick like chopstick. You use prefelted wool and the stick to poke the wool into the holes, as well as for removing when done.

I wet, then press the water into mat, roll in stocking, massage to remove most water and put it into the drier, then remove, roll and throw, wash soap out and can go in drier again.

This weekend I spent it in Collingwood learning new weaving techniques and looking at the various materials that we can find around us for weaving as well as all the recycling that can be used. Our course was one of six being run that weekend. I was so pleased to have learnt some English basket techniques and cant wait to have a go again, but what material to use? There are so many....

Also learnt how English weaving use twinning and randing which is moreless if not the same as Whatu work in raranga. Also learnt wading. A weekend well spent

Author

I am an artist and live on the Kapiti Coast. Presently I am completing a Bachelor of Maori Visual Art (Raranga). I work mainly with textiles (includes Raranga which is weaving with flax), clay and paint in pastels and weatercolours.